Its been more than two weeks since Wayne Simmonds joined the Flyers after being traded from the Los Angeles Kings as part of the Mike Richards deal.
A restricted free agent, he has not signed a new contract with the Flyers, and his qualifying offer came from the Kings before he was traded.
Jakub Voracek, who came to the Flyers in the Jeff Carter deal from Columbus, signed a new contract last week.
So whats the hold-up with Simmonds? Neither side will say.
Moving along, said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. Slowly, it seems, although Holmgren added there were no particular issues holding the deal up.
I would say weve had positive discussions and they are on-going, said LA-based agent Eustace King, who represents Simmonds.
I cant comment on what happens in the future. Were going to continue to have discussions with Flyers. They have a first class organization. They do a great job. Theyve been very competitive and strong over the last couple of years, one of the best teams in the National Hockey League.
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King would not say whether the snag concerns money, length of years, or how the Flyers perceive Simmonds' role and what theyre willing to pay him to perform that role.
Well continue to see where this takes us, King said. Continue to better understand what their thoughts and visions of Wayne are and they will have a better understanding of what our thoughts are and what the landscape is for him in the future.
That sounds like the agent and team cant agree on what role Simmonds plays within the framework of a team that has undergone a massive facelift this summer and what the Flyers are willing to pay for that role.
Im not at liberty to have that discussion, King replied when asked if that was indeed the sticking point.
He did reiterate that the talks are positive and hes not frustrated with getting a contract done. Two Flyers sources said they fully expect a signed deal soon.
Were looking for common ground for Wayne and the Flyers, King said. Talking principles and where he fits. Thats my focus.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanaccio@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow him on Twitter @TPanotchCSN.
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